x

New Pitch for Town - Ipswich Town News

Portman Road will have a new pitch by the time the Blues take on Leeds United at home on December 16th. Town's usually snooker table-like surface has cut-up badly this season and was starting to resemble a 1970s-style quagmire.

A club spokesman said: "The club has decided that we obviously need to give the team the best chance of winning football matches and the current state of the pitch is making it difficult for the team to play the style of football Jim wants.

"We have given the pitch time to respond to the work that [groundsman] Alan [Ferguson] and his team have been undertaking, but with winter just around the corner and temperatures dropping, it's important to take this step now before it's too late."

The new 40mm deep pitch will be brought over from Holland and will take Ferguson and his staff three days to put in place. Some of the old surface will be reused at Playford Road.

Various factors have been blamed for the problems with the pitch, which first became evident in the pre-season match with Lazio when large sections were ripped out by sliding players.

Problems at Anglian Water's Alderman Road pumping station caused floods in August with salt getting into the water table. The very hot weather in July was also a factor in the surface failing to bed in as expected.

What to read next:

Ball Named Sarcoma UK Ambassador
Town midfielder Dominic Ball has been appointed a celebrity ambassador for Sarcoma UK, honouring his friend Spencer McCall, who died of the disease aged only 26.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Chelsea Look Away From McKenna
Chelsea’s interest in recruiting Blues boss Kieran McKenna to replace Mauricio Pochettino has diminished, TWTD understands.
Stuttgart Leading Hutchinson Chase Claim
Bundesliga side Stuttgart are reportedly leading the chase to sign Omari Hutchinson on loan for 2024/25.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town Appoint Head of Emerging Talent and Recruitment
Town have appointed Emmanuel Dosu to a new new role as head of emerging talent and recruitment in the academy.
Schwartz Flies Over For Talks With Ashton and McKenna
Majority shareholder Ed Schwartz has flown over to the UK to hold talks with CEO Mark Ashton and manager Kieran McKenna as the Blues seek to keep the Northern Irishman at Portman Road, TWTD understands.
McKenna Representatives Hold Manchester United Talks - Report
Town boss Kieran McKenna’s representatives are reported to have held talks with Manchester United regarding their manager’s job.
Hayes Joins Barnet
Blues keeper Nick Hayes has joined National League Barnet following his Town exit.
Slicker in Scotland U21s Squad
Town keeper Cieran Slicker has been named in the Scotland U21s squad for their June fixtures.